Medications for Chickenpox

The information provided here is meant to give you a general idea about each of the medications listed below. Only the most general side effects are included, so ask your healthcare provider if you need to take any special precautions. Use each of these medications as recommended by your healthcare provider, or according to the instructions provided. If you have further questions about usage or side effects, contact your healthcare provider.

Over-the-Counter Medications

Prescription Medications

Antiviral medications

Common name:

Acyclovir (Zovirax)

Acyclovir is an antiviral drug that may be recommended for patients who are at risk for moderate or severe chickenpox, such as
children 12 or older or adults, especially those with any of the following:

Acyclovir given to persons of any age may help decrease the duration and severity of chickenpox and shorten the time of contagiousness to others. It is most effective when started in the first 24 hours after onset of chickenpox. Its effectiveness decreases significantly if begun more than 72 hours after the onset of the rash.

Acyclovir can be taken orally. For adults, there is some evidence that the related drugs valacyclovir and famciclovir might be more effective. Acyclovir can be given by vein for severely sick or hospitalized patients, especially when the highest possible dosages are required.

Possible side effects include:

Nausea

Kidney problems, especially with the IV form or in dehydrated patients

Special precaution in those with kidney failure or using other drugs which could be harmful to kidneys

Antibiotics

Antibiotics are given in cases where the chickenpox rash has become infected by staphylococcal or streptococcal organisms.
Some of these organisms may be resistant to common antibiotics, especially when infection is acquired in the hospital.

Possible side effects include:

Hives

Rash

Intense itching

Difficulty breathing

These are signs of an allergic reaction and require immediate medical attention.

Immune Globulin

Common names include:

Varicella-zoster immune globulin

Immune globulin is a blood product that contains antibodies to the chickenpox virus.

For prevention
: It is given by injection immediately after exposure to the VZV virus (within 96 hours).

For treatment
: In some patients, it can be given to help decrease the severity of chickenpox.

For prevention or treatment
: It is usually only given to people who are at risk for severe complications from the disease. These include:

Adults

Newborns whose mothers have chickenpox

People who are immunosuppressed or very ill

Pregnant women

Some preliminary evidence suggests that immunization given immediately after exposure may also be effective in reducing a susceptible person’s risk of catching chickenpox.

Over-the-Counter Medications

Antihistamines

Common name:

Diphenhydramine (Benadryl)

Antihistamines are used to reduce the itch that comes from the rash. The medication can be taken orally or applied to the skin.

The most common side effect of oral antihistamines is drowsiness. Topical diphenhydramine can produce a severe allergic skin rash. It can also cause severe sedation due to absorption from injured skin. It is generally not recommended for treating chickenpox.

Antipyretics

Acetaminophen

Common names include:

Tylenol

Feverall

Neopap

Panadol

Acetaminophen is taken to control the high fever caused by chickenpox.

Note
: Aspirin is not recommended for children or teens with a current or
recent viral infection. This is because of the risk of
Reye's
syndrome
. Ask your doctor which other medicines are safe for your child.

Ibuprofen

Common names include:

Motrin

Ibuprin

Ibuprofen is taken to control the high fever caused by chickenpox.

Note
: Ibuprofen should not be given to anyone with peptic ulcer disease, kidney failure, high risk of bleeding disorder, or known hypersensitivity. Special caution should be used in people with congestive heart failure, liver or kidney disease, high blood pressure, and those on anticoagulant.

Special Considerations

Whenever you are taking a prescription medication, take the following precautions:

Take your medication as directed. Do not change the amount or the schedule.

Do not stop taking them without talking to your doctor.

Do not share them.

Ask what the results and side effects are. Report them to your doctor.

Some drugs can be dangerous when mixed. Talk to a doctor or pharmacist if you are taking more than one drug. This includes over-the-counter medication and herb or dietary supplements.

Plan ahead for refills so you don’t run out.

Revision Information

This content is reviewed regularly and is updated when new and relevant evidence is made available. This information is neither intended nor implied to be a substitute for professional medical advice. Always seek the advice of your physician or other qualified health provider prior to starting any new treatment or with questions regarding a medical condition.